UK Scholarships Drexel Fellowships Office May 2009

UK’s Education System Graduate school in the UK ◦Taught degree vs. research degree ◦Residential college system, tutors. ◦Single cumulative exam ◦Independent What’s out there? ◦Rhodes ◦Gates Cambridge ◦Marshall ◦Mitchell ◦

Rhodes Scholarship What is it? ◦Oldest, most prestigious international scholarship ◦Oxford University ◦Graduate degree, any discipline. Usu 2 years. ◦32 Rhodes Scholars per year, in 16 districts Special considerations? ◦US Citizen or… ◦Top student (3.8 or above) + ◦Student-athlete? -> Vigor ◦Leadership; outward looking ◦Must have good, clear reason to want Oxford ◦5-8 references ◦Cocktail party and interview

Gates Cambridge Scholarship What is it? ◦Gates Foundation ◦Cambridge University ◦Graduate school, any discipline ◦90 Gates Scholars per year Special considerations? ◦Any nationality (except UK). ◦Apply directly to graduate program first. ◦Need good program fit, reason to study at Cambridge. ◦Top admits automatically considered. ◦Some focus on using education for public/social good. ◦Interview

Marshall Scholarship What is it? ◦British Government award, to foster strong US-UK relations ◦For any University in UK ◦Graduate school, any discipline, leading to British degree ◦Usually 2 years, though new 1-year program ◦Usually 40 Marshal Scholars per year Special considerations? ◦US Citizen ◦Most academic – “seriousness of purpose”  Min 3.8 GPA. Usually higher  Also leadership ◦Good fit with program.  Look beyond Oxford/Cambridge. And London. ◦2 campus nominees; interview

Mitchell Scholarship What is it? ◦To foster ties to Ireland among the US’ future leaders. ◦One year graduate school ◦Any University in Ireland/Northern Ireland ◦12 Mitchell Scholars per year Special considerations? ◦US Citizens ◦No heritage relationship necessary ◦Intellectual achievement, leadership, commitment to public service. ◦Interview

Fulbright Scholarship us.fulbrightonline.org What is it? ◦US State Department with national commissions ◦Mutual understanding ◦One year self-designed study, research, and/or English teaching in over 150 countries ◦Approx 1600 Fulbright Scholars per year Special Considerations ◦UK extremely competitive ◦Good fit important: background, project, location ◦Affiliations ◦Results April-June Webinar on Asia-Pacific region tomorrow 4-5:30.

Application Early fall deadlines ◦Start now References ◦Talk to faculty now Essays ◦Get started drafting now Coherence of whole application Interviews ◦Campus endorsement ◦Mock interview

General Advice Start early! Three best things to do ◦Keep grades up ◦Get involved ◦Get to know faculty Two more good things to do: ◦Advice on Fellowships site ◦Summer Workshop Start early